The story
Monique occupies a fully restored 18th-century barn in the heart of Calvisson, a village in the Gard region. The space is divided into a shaded patio, a counter, and a dining room open to the kitchen. Upstairs, a private table for friends offers an intimate alternative. The restaurant describes itself as a "lieu de vie, de gastronomie et d’expression" – a place for life, gastronomy, and expression.
Julien Caligo, who grew up in the Vaunage area, opened Monique after working with several Michelin-starred chefs. His ambition is to serve a "cuisine gourmande et percutante" – generous and striking – rooted in the rich local terroir. The restaurant’s modern cuisine draws on the diversity of the surrounding countryside, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
Three tasting menus are available. The Découverte (three sequences, €65) is served at lunch except Saturdays and public holidays. The Vaunage (five sequences, €105) and the longer Monique menu (seven sequences, €120) are offered both midday and evening. Optional wine pairings are available for each, and the wine list – updated regularly – focuses on natural and small-production growers from the Languedoc, Rhône, Burgundy, and beyond.
Monique earned a Michelin star in 2026, a recognition that reflects the precision and personality of Caligo’s cooking. The press page notes the restaurant’s entry into the guide, and local critics have praised it as a "coup de cœur" near Nîmes. The chef’s return to his roots has clearly paid off.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
